News & Events

United States Golf Association to fund turfgrass project

Dr. Michael Fidanza, associate professor of horticulture, was awarded a grant from the United States Golf Association for a project entitled “Evaluation of an Inorganic Soil Amendment to Reduce and Manage Fairy Ring Symptoms in Turfgrass.”

The primary objective of this project is to evaluate an alternative approach to conventional fungicide use for the reduction and control of fairy ring symptoms in golf course turf. The project is located in three geographical regions (Pennsylvania, Illinois, Idaho), with the Penn State Berks location coordinating the project. The amount of funding is $9,750 for 2011, with potential for renewal in 2012 and 2013.

Fidanza is the principal investigator. Co-principal investigators include Derek Settle, Ph.D., Chicago District Golf Association, IL and Henry Wetzel III, Ph.D., Sustainable Pest Management Solutions, Coeur d’Alene, ID. Wetzel is a 1992 graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Agronomy.

Says Fidanza, "In these uncertain economic times for Penn State, we are fortunate to be able to continue our research and teaching mission with the help of our industry partnerships."

Penn State Berks is committed to making its websites accessible to all users, and welcomes comments or suggestions on access improvements. Please send comments or suggestions on accessibility to Berks Webmaster..